Fosfomycin: efficacy against infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria

Scand J Infect Dis. 2012 Mar;44(3):182-9. doi: 10.3109/00365548.2011.616221. Epub 2011 Dec 17.

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the indications for and the efficacy of parenteral fosfomycin, especially against multidrug-resistant (MDR) and pan-resistant bacterial infections.

Patients and methods: During a unique crisis in fosfomycin production, the supply of this antibiotic had to be carefully monitored in France over a 10-week period. One hundred and sixteen assessable patients were included in a prospective cohort study.

Results: The main indications for use were osteoarthritis, lung infection, urinary tract infection, and bacteraemia. The 2 bacteria most frequently involved were Pseudomonas aeruginosa and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus. MDR bacteria were seen in 71.5% (83/116) of cases, especially MDR P. aeruginosa (n = 28). Critical situations were common, with 44.0% (51/116) of hospitalizations occurring in an intensive care unit and 22.4% (26/116) of patients with septic shock. The overall outcome was favourable in 76.8% of cases (76/99 assessable patients).

Conclusion: This study provided a unique opportunity to describe the use of fosfomycin and assess its efficacy, especially against MDR bacterial infections, even in critical situations.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Bacteria / drug effects*
  • Bacteria / isolation & purification
  • Bacterial Infections / drug therapy*
  • Bacterial Infections / microbiology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cohort Studies
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial*
  • Female
  • Fosfomycin / administration & dosage*
  • Fosfomycin / pharmacology
  • France
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Fosfomycin